Feedback sought on protection orders curbing crime

A council has launched a public consultation over two public space protection orders (PSPO) that were introduced to curb anti-social behaviour in a city.

Peterborough City Council has asked residents for their opinions over plans to extend a city centre PSPO, which was imposed in 2023, for three more years and vary three of its conditions relating to alcohol and anti-social behaviour.

The authority has also invited consultation on changing three conditions, including one relating to alcohol, for a PSPO imposed on the Millfield, New England, Eastfield and Embankment areas of the city in 2024.

Both orders were set up with the aim of keeping communities safe, the authority said.

Anyone found to have breached the PSPOs could be fined up to £1,000 or receive a fixed penalty notice, it added.

If the orders were extended they would give the council and police additional powers to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Zameer Ali, a Labour councillor and cabinet member for communities, poverty and public health at the authority, said: "We are fully committed to working with partners, including the police, to keep members of the public safe and develop strong and sustainable communities, which PSPOs are helping us to achieve.

"In this case, maintaining a PSPO within the city centre and varying the Millfield PSPO will support key aims of keeping our communities safe and making Peterborough an attractive place, to live, visit or work as well as supporting businesses."

The consultation is running until Friday 9 January 2026, following which feedback would be analysed before a final decision on the plans was made by the council's cabinet next year.

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